Early Childhood Education: SNL Joint Program (BA)

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​The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE) is a degree offered jointly by the School for New Learning (SNL) and the College of Education (COE) at DePaul University. The program has been designed to prepare adults to work in early childhood education by obtaining licensure credentials to teach children through third grade. The program is open to students age 24y or older. Students in the BAECE program take courses in both the SNL and the COE.

In the program, students have the opportunity to fulfill requirements through course work and experience relating to liberal arts objectives and early childhood education experience gained in the workplace. In the COE, students take courses that address theories and practices of teaching young children and the skills necessary to obtain the Illinois licensure to teach children from birth to grade three. The program offers the flexibility and individualized learning approach of the SNL while focusing on the latest theory and content provided by the COE.

BAECE students work with COE faculty advisors to complete all requirements for certification and student teaching experiences in preparation for careers in early childhood education. Students are placed in practicum learning environments to enhance their understanding of children's development in language, literacy, mathematics, science, as well as social and physical development across the early childhood span.

The degree is earned by completing 50 competency requirements and teaching licensure requirements. Competency requirements can be met by DePaul courses, equivalent transfer courses, and/or equivalent documented experience. All Education course grades must be C or better; course grades for SNL competencies must be C- or better. COE courses are offered at DePaul's Loop and Lincoln Park campuses, with some available online. SNL courses are available online and at the Loop, Naperville, Oak Forest, and O'Hare campuses.​​